Many bogus replicas are found on the market, especially with popular models like the Nautilus and Aquanaut. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that you’re dealing with a fake Patek Philippe watch that will help you avoid getting duped in your purchase.
One of the most important things to look out for is the quality of the metals used in a watch.
Real Patek Philippe watches are crafted from precious metals such as gold and platinum and occasionally stainless steel. These noble metals have a natural weight and feel substantial in your hand. Fake Patek Philippe watches, on the other hand, are often made from flimsier materials that have a much lower quality and do not weigh as much as their genuine counterparts.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is the finish on a watch’s case, lugs, and bracelet.
Authentic Patek Philippe watches have a high-quality, polished finish that is smooth at every curve and angle. A sloppy, dingy, or dull finish on any of these parts of a watch is a sign that it’s not real. In addition, a genuine Patek Philippe watch’s lugs and bracelet will have the engraved name of its respective metal as well as its model number printed on them.
Lastly, be sure to look at the screws on a Patek Philippe watch.
These are usually plated in a gold or platinum color, and should be smooth and lustrous. If you see any that are blued, that’s a big red flag – Patek Philippe does not use blue screws in their watches.
If you want to be extra cautious, bring a loupe with you when shopping for your next Patek Philippe. This will allow you to study the dial in greater detail and make sure that all of the details are correct. This includes the font used for the lettering, as real Patek Philippe watches have a specific type of font and size. Using a different font or larger size could be a sign that the watch is a counterfeit.
Another good way to tell if your watch is fake is by looking at the movement. Genuine Patek Philippe watches have their movements engraved with the Patek Philippe signature and Geneva Seal or Seal of Origin. In comparison, fakes often have a generic stamp engraved on the movement or no signature or seal at all.